Archive for August, 2012

It took me awhile to figure out how to fuel appropriately for runs. I was always taught to never eat before swimming so I figured the same thing should hold true for running, right? Not necessarily!

I can usually manage a shorter run (7 miles or less) first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, but anything more than that, requires some kind of pre-run grub!

A good rule of thumb is to approach a run neither feeling starved nor stuffed. Generally speaking, it isbest to try to eat 1 – 2 hours before running to avoid cramps (particularly for those shorter, faster paced runs). BUT, I’ve found a few delicious morsels that fit the bill for providing high carbohydrate, low fat fuel that is digestible enough to be eaten on the way out the door for a long run.

For some time now, my absolute favorite has been the Honey Stinger Waffle. This pure natural energy treat is well known among the cycling community, but has remained to be somewhat of a hidden secret in our running world. The organic Stinger Waffle provides 160 calories per individually wrapped waffle and is easier on the digestive system than just about anything I’ve found in the stores. Check out the YogiRunner Amazon Store to purchase these yummy little treats.

I tend to usually let the experts work their magic and create these delicious, healthy food items for me. And wouldn’t you know it, one of these experts happens to be a very good friend of mine. Kelli Morgan is a registered dietician and brilliant when it comes to creating healthy snacks. She invited me over for a baking lesson last week. Our goal was to create a healthy, clean pre-run snack. Mission was accomplished and the Energy Ball was born. This delicious raw snack is made with almond butter, flaxseed and coconut, providing healthy omega-3 fatty acids as fuel for the distance, along with oats and honey which provide a quick source of energy to start those runs out on the right foot.

Be sure to check out the full recipe at kellird.com and don’t forget to snoop around while you are there! Hers is a website you won’t want to forget.

So get snackin’ and get running with these two delicious treats that are sure to give you the energy you need to go the distance.

Chia seed has become a staple for me ever since reading Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. I’ve received quite a few questions about the edible seed that comes from the desert plant Salvia since posting it as an ingredient in my Daily Green Smoothie recipe. Here are my top five benefits of chia:

The seed can soak up twelve times its weight in water. When consumed, the seed helps you stay hydrated longer, retain electrolytes, and remove toxins as it passes through the digestive tract.

The seed is versatile, mild tasting and can be used to replace less-healthy fat in just about any recipe.

Chia aids in healthy, effective weight loss because of its high fiber content and its ability to reduce blood sugar levels after meals.

It is nutritionally superior to flax and soy. Chia is the richest non-marine whole food source of Omega-3 and dietary fiber currently known to man.

The seed does not require pesticides to be grown. It is typically pesticide-free, free of heavy metals and not irradiated. Chia is also gluten-free.

Chia seed is the easiest thing in the world to add to your diet. Throw it in your smoothie, on top of your cereal, or mix with a glass of water and chill in the fridge the night before a long run.